Saturday, May 31, 2008

What a Rose can Say

What A Rose Can Say

A rose can say I love you and want you to be mine,

A rose can say I thank you for being so very kind,

A rose can say congratulations, whatever the occasion may be,

A rose can say I miss you and wish you were here with me,

A rose can say I'm sorry if I've hurt you in any way,

A rose can say get well soon, May God bless you today,

A rose can say I wish you happiness, and the best for you each day.

A rose can say farewell when someone goes away,

A rose can say hello, I'm thinking of you today,

There's just so many wonderful things that a rose can say,

A rose can say goodbye when a love one is laid to rest,

No matter what there is to say, a rose can say it best.


This rose is from a sweetie bloggie named Val.
Please come and grab this Rose Tag if you want :)

Things that I am thankful for

I have been blogging for a while now, and I can say that aside from it being therapeutic, it also makes one see the bigger picture in life, of one’s life. Really sometimes we can be engrossed with a particular topic, scenario or situation. At the end of the day, when you think about what you are thankful of, you write about things that you may or may not have otherwise thought of if you don’t put your thoughts down on black and white. Well, this is true in my case at least. I find myself communing with the big world of cyberspace, and yet I know it is just me in the room when I type my thoughts. I have found quite a few good websites which enriched me, either as a person or as a professional in the travel industry, through my endless searches and web surfs. I’ve come across people who share the same thoughts and ideals as myself, or those who live a life that I totally cannot relate to, but have composed entries in such a way that will make you want to stay and read on, or even hop back on to from time to time. Along the way I’ve seen and became a part of SocialSpark, which allowed me to connect to other fellow world wanderers. I’ve created my own profile under http://socialspark.com/bloggers/coriander-dreams which allows me to connect with other people that has access to this new blog trend.

If I were Japanese Tag

A tag from Mariuca! :)



If I were Japanese, my name would be : Rinkashikiku ! :) Quite cute if I may say so...



I've seen this one has gone around now, so feel free to grab it if you haven't! Work out your name based on the table below: (And then copy the names of those who's done this tag)


1. OSWALD - Moarimeikatate (sounds like america and states. har... har... har ...)

2. CHLOE - Miritamoku (Um... think I still prefer my given name, ha ha)

3. GENG - Jikutoji (Actually, I think it's cute sounding. Arigato gazaimasu!)

4. CONSTANCE - Mimoto arichi katomiku (WOW! Does it sound like an authentic Japanese cuisine? YIKES! I broke it up cos it was quite a mouthful!)

5. DORA - Temoshika (Sounds pretty good huh?! Does it mean beautiful woman?)

6. NESSA - Tokuariarika (macam seterika je... sounds too masculine instead of feminine though)

7. SPIFF - Arinokilulu ... (sounds like something from Lilo & Stitch!)

8. JANICE NG - ZuKatokimiku ToJi (lolxxxxx)

9. MARZIE - Rinkashizikite (WOW! Very hard to pronounce but love that my Japanese name starts with an R!)

10.FARAH - Lukashikari (I hate this name, it sounds like 'lu kasik kari' translated: you gave curry) hahahahah

11. DEBBIE - teku tutu kiku (lol! Sounds like 3 kawaii characters of a very cute Japanese anime! Love it!)

12.RATU SYURA - Shikachido Arifudoshika (Try saying that 10 times in a row without twisting your tongue!!)

13. EMILA - Kurinkitaka (Yummy! Sounds like a sushi dish!)

14.JEAN CHIA - Zukukato Mirikika (I love Mirikika! So cute!! ^^)

15. Marie - Rinkashikiku (Quite cute! :)

What keeps me going

...At work that is. Is this machine:
When the clock strikes about 230pm-330pm, you suddenly get distracted. It feels like your mind wants to float off to somewhere, possibly outdoors especially with the peek of the sun's ray through the waters of the wharf, through your window at work.

My team mates and I often feel this whirl of three-thirty-itis anytime mid-afternoon. Some times we have sweet cravings, and other times we all want something savoury. Whatever we feel like, we take turns just grabbing something from the ... Vending Machine! :)

I guess these machines were meant to temporarily save you from twangs of cravings. Either you are at work, in a hotel where there's no 24 hour room service, or at the airport waiting for a flight, at the train station platform waiting for your service, etc.

Again one great thing that man's invented. Did you know vending machine's history dates back to 215 BC, and was invented by the Greek Mathematician, Hero. Back then it only could vend holy water at the Egyptian temples. Now, it vends almost anything from: junk food, drinks, cigarettes, women's stuff, gumballs, lollies and candies, etc.

See my photo of a vending machine :)

My Blogroll

FOOTPRINTS IN THE SAND :
OTHER LINKS

Thursday, May 29, 2008

I'm just wondering whats next??

Recently in my reads I’ve stumbled upon a few interesting that the society/world has put up with! Some are interesting! I wonder who would have thought of them! :D

-- In the news today, I read that Oklahoma’s elected it’s youngest mayor! He’s 19 years old. Can you believe that?!! He’s only just recently received his full drivers license and his permission to buy alcohol! He is a self proclaimed gamer (computer). He’s no other than John Tyler Hammons. Wonder if he’s really capable of running a city. You know the saying that some things you learn through experience. And I believe that.

-- Starwood Hotels has a new position out, and its called “Corporate Director of Fun”! Imagine what responsibilities and duties are included in this? The activities that the person will oversee includes: fireside storytelling, stargazing, outdoor movies among other job attributes. There are a few qualifications that one needs to satisfy to suit the role. One should have been : the class president, cheerleader, bartender, and lifeguard. Do you fit the role?? (Background: this is actually geared towards family friendly marketing)
-- Is your next travel destination the Moon?? Premier Inn is one of the UK’s biggest hotel chain. They have expanded to Ireland, India and Dubai. Their next big purchase is claimed to be a lot on the moon to build the first hotel on the moon!! They are targeting that in the next 25 years they will be accommodating guests out of this world. Imagine paying a premium on your room with Earth View!
-- Ever heard of ‘Heartache leave’? Ever wish you can take a few days off to heal your broken heart? Well, if you were in Japan working for Hime & Co. then you would be eligible. Otherwise, deal with it or take a sickie day off! Hime and Company offers staff under 24 years old one day leave per year and 25 to 29 year olds two days off. If you were older than that then you get three days off. That’s because older people suffer from worst heartaches. I disagree. I think the heartaches hurt as bad no matter how old or young one is.

Monday, May 26, 2008

Five Star Rating Award


Thanks Em for this award! :) I trulllly appreciate it!
I am sending some love over to Valerie. I really think your blog rocks! :)

Sunday, May 25, 2008

Harbour Photos from the Sky




Here are a few pics I took on my way back to Sydney. Click on the photo to see a bigger picture. :) Enjoy!

A Peculiar Friday Tag

Constance sent me this and its meant to be a friday tag, but I am still doing this late tag today! :)

DO YOU PREFER…

1. To watch or participate?
I prefer to watch and take photos.

2. Malls, catalog shopping, or the Internet?
I'm a Mall baby! :)

3. A bath or shower?
A bath whenever I can, especially at 5 star hotel holidays :) Otherwise, I just take a long hot shower at home!

4. To talk to people by telephone, in person or by e-mail?
I prefer to talk to people in person, but since I am far friends and family I'd settle for the telephone.

5. Typing or writing?
I love writing letters and poems, but I love typing my blog of course.

I am tagging : Valerie, Em, Rhea, Mari

Saturday, May 24, 2008

Wanting another trip

In the paper today hubby and I saw a deal on Fraser Island. We’ve been talking about going back to that amazing island for quite some time now. Ever since we visited Fraser last year, we always talk about wanting to go back. If you know or have been to the island you’d know how we feel. We now have better cameras and we’d love to try capturing the beauty of Lake Mckenzie again. However hubby goes on telling me that he’d need pair of shorts that will allow him to put his small camera stuff. So when I saw 511 Tactical Shorts on the internet I showed him. He told me to remind him about this pair of shorts when we have a definite Fraser trip planned.

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Photos from My Weekend at Bulli

Continuing from my previous post, here are photos from my Bulli Weekend last month. (You pronounce it Bull-Eye)

If you're interested in travelling to Bulli, and have Qs, let me know! :) By the way I am looking at going back to this amazingly beautiful place when I get the chance!

A few notes on this weekend trip: The waves were huge and surfers were hitting the water. Though, we saw icky bluebottle jellyfishes in the water so I don't know how the surfers do it.
We stayed at Bulli Tourist Caravan park, and our beach cabin was right across from the sea. Breathtaking view. Weather was lovely, perfect for our Anzac long weekend holiday!



Bulli is only about an hour and a half by train, and the caravan park is just a few minutes from the train station, and is close to downtown Woonona. It's a family friendly place where you can do activities such as: Biking, Surfing, go Swimming, have a picnic, go bushwalking, go on a photo trip, and these are only what I can think of now. There are other places you can visit close to Bulli, such as Wollongong and Kiama.

Bulli Weekend Getaway

One of the places I went to when my family was here was to place called Bulli, located at the South Coast of New South Wales. It was my first time to travel along the South Coast, and it was such an amazingly relaxing experience because it was located right on the beach. Aside from that first time South, it was the first time I’ve stayed in a Caravan Park. We don’t have caravan parks in Asia, and I think it is quite a cool that they offer you a parking spot to place your caravan, or they do have a built in cabin type as well. Obviously since I don’t own a caravan, we stayed at a beach cabin with sea views. We even had our own terrace, where we spent a few nights just chatting away and where we played cards. One sunny afternoon we barbequed and grilled seafood at the picnic area across our very own cabin! For entire duration on that long weekend we rented mountain bikes and just went biking around the park, as well as the bike path which was scenically located on the beach. It was such a stress less weekend. I don’t think I’ve enjoyed a weekend away as much as I enjoyed that Bulli weekend.

In a few years my family and I are planning to do a big trip and as early as now I am saving up for flights to USA or Europe. I am sure that would be another amazing experience. The US has great shorelines particularly in California and Florida. Or even beaches or lakes in Italy, Greece or Portugal would be nice too. I guess as much as I enjoy going on a trip to the mountains, beaches offer a different and refreshing endless view of the ocean. Well, wherever that may be if it is a much needed break, then the time away will be appreciated. I am looking at the website Dialaflight, and it seems they have heaps of deals ongoing throughout the year to the destinations I am hoping to travel to.

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Ms Universe Australia 2008


Today I got a call from a client who I am holding a booking to travel overseas, and he's advised me that his daughter won the Ms Universe Australia title! This meant that I had to do some more work for them, but nevertheless it's one of those surprise call that you don't really mind coz its a welcome surprise (for the family at least). Her name is Laura Dundovic, a model/psychology student from Sydney, read more on this site about her. (Photo taken from todaynetwork.com.au)

Touring San Francisco

Have you ever been to a city where you knew absolutely nothing about? And you were left on your own to find the tourist attraction you were meant to visit? I went to San Francisco a while ago and had to find my way to Mission Dolores. I actually had my family with me, but that didn’t help much because we were all not from there. None of my local relatives were with us at that time since we thought we might as well try to be independent while they were at work. On our way to the town, I remember having to go through a ‘rough’ suburb which had a number of bums and people hanging around the neighborhood. It was quite a wild experience and a scary one as well, just to be at an unfamiliar place with those unwelcoming stares. To add to the experience we were lost at that time and just did not want to nor bother asking directions from people there. I should have been wise enough to book sightseeing tours or should have picked out some other activity from the list of things to do in San Francisco through Trusted Tours & Attractions, rather than to venture out in the wild unknown streets. Well, it was an experience that I would remember for a while, especially the next time I visit San Francisco. Trusted Tours have a lot of interesting sightseeing tours in the United States to choose from. I’ve also come across a number of Things to do in Las Vegas on their website should I find myself incorporating a US trip to my intended Europe trip next year. I am looking at other things on their website and have just signed up to receive their electronic newsletter. They have an ongoing promotional until May 31, 2008. Someone may be lucky to win $150 worth of itunes gift card! I may actually benefit this as I have an Iphone which at the moment is in dire need of new songs to be downloaded!

Another one on Scarlett Johansson

It's pretty obvious that I like Scarlett! Am such a fan! Doing the entry a few days ago reminded me of the article I read here about her somewhat new recorded song/video "Falling Down". The article went on comparing Scarlett to Lindsay Lohan, and Lindsay's video "Rumors". In both videos, they depicted their own selves (in a way) by showing a bit of how their lives are, putting on a facade in the name of showbusiness. Lindsay's video was more filled with teen angst. While Scarlett's was more pensive and controlled/composed which borders melancholic. Lindsay's video somewhat reminded me of Britney's prelude to her wild days.
Going back to Scarlett's music video, I liked the very last scene where her smile almost suddenly turns into an undescribable expression of relief. I suppose in each of our lives, at some point we can relate to this coz of the mask we have to keep up when we need to go about with our daily life. But at the end of the day, we are just tired and relieved that that is over. (Ha! So much drama!)... I guess I was more into the video scenes rather than the song she was singing!By the way the video is on Youtube, should want to see that) Anyway, She's such a good actress!

Let's just say I think Scarlett is a better actress than a singer! :) Still like her though!

Monday, May 19, 2008

I like Social Spark

Ever since I’ve taken my online writing somewhat seriously I’ve been on the look out for opportunities where I can use my skills to advertise, entertain, inform or simply express myself. I’ve found different avenues for me to be able to write, and Social Spark is another one of them. It is easy to join SocialSpark. The only thing I had a bit of a challenge at was installing codes onto my HTML, as I am not a very technologically savvy person. But even so, I managed to do that in less than an hour, thus anyone else can. I particularly like the layout and colours of their website as well. It is far from dull. The site also is organized into the different areas. There is the marketplace section, community section, account and help sections. One other feature attracts me to Social Spark, and that is the fact that they offer you a chance to sign for and wait for a slot on an opportunity to become available to you. This means, that I don’t really have to constantly refresh my screen just to be able to grab an opportunity. I believe the company, through this feature, makes me feel that my time is valuable as well. Having said that, I wouldn’t really waste any more of your precious time just reading this, but instead I’d encourage you to get on the web and sign up onto Social Spark’s website!
Sponsored by SocialSpark

Today and on Wednesday


Today was quite a long and productive day. I actually went for early breakfast with hubby in the city, went for a picnic armed with my laptop and picnic bag at the park, went to mass, watched DVD, cooked Pinoy style Spaghetti, organised my area a bit, and some other trivial stuff. Hubby and I are thinking whether we can sustain and do this routine every sunday, as we were out and about by 8AM. On a weekend, that is quite a good start! We enjoyed our slow walk and long talks today, and it just sets the mood for the whole day, which is quite good, really.

On Wednesday, I am thinking of using my "Afternoon Off Pass" which I've won from work two fridays ago. Being in a big company, management always keeps coming up with different ways to keep us happy. That same friday my whole floor and the floor above played Bingo! Imagine that! We were all glued to our emails, as the Bingo numbers were sent there, and once one got all the numbers, he or she was to send an email to Everyone on the floor! No, I didn't win this one, but instead my name got drawn out from a hat! Lucky me!

On Paris, Scarlett and Style

I was thinking about a celebrity who actually embodied fashion, someone with style, a person who just by being their own self have other people going gaga about the clothes their wearing or the hair they have on, or literally anything they have on.

I thought about Paris Hilton. She had everyone wear their hair blond as hers, in that odd looking crop, follow the same type of dress she wore, even carry the same type of pooch in a bag! People loved to hate her. She managed to stir society in a way that you’d either love her or really hate her. But either way, both sets of people share one thing in common, that is, still read about her and talk about her. Amazing.

On the other hand, saying that Paris Hilton’s ways epitomes style is quite off. She may be followed by the youth, but the scope of her reach belongs to a particular market, and so it may not be considered so much really all about style. So, I choose Scarlett Johanssen instead.

Scarlett’s got the aura that endears her to people, and yet she does not dress or speak to be loved by society. She just is. She’s just being herself, minding her own business, carries herself elegantly, and yet still manages to keep her feet on the ground. No pretensions whatsoever about who she is, and who she’s not trying to be. In public, you’d see her proud of her own style. A style that you don’t learn anywhere. She may be wearing something that is currently in fashion, but you know that she wears it naturally to embody her own sense of style. Ordinarily, on days that don’t involve the Oscars, or whatnot, she dons a simple yet classy outfit. She won’t overdo herself, and she’d just manage to pull off anything that she’s in. Scarlett does not intend to change her body type just to please everyone else, she maintains her person just how she likes it.

I suppose in a lot of ways I can relate to her style. I would never compromise myself for the sake of beauty, and so I believe that what a classic style is. Long lasting, uncompromising and just being true to one’s character.

Should you wish to have a say about fashion, style or trend, NBC is accepting personal television commercial opportunities as part of the Dockers contest. This opportunity could land you a television ad on The Tonight Show. I would love to join the Dockers contest if only I was as tech savvy and creative.

75x75

Sponsored by Dockers

Sunday, May 18, 2008

The Men Hunt Tag

A long overdue tag from Val. ( Am sure all you guys have done this, but whoever hasn't feel free to grab this tag!)

My other men, the lucky ten ... :) Haha
1. Scott Speedman

2. Hayden Christensen
3. Josh Holloway
4. Paul Walker

5. Penn Badgely

6. Papa Piolo Pascual

7. Chace Crawford
8.Chris Evans9. Daniel Craig
10. Eric Dane

Turtle Bay Resort in Oahu

Three weeks ago I attended this Hawaii Info night for work at the Swissotel down at Pitt Street Mall. It was such an interesting night where they had a whole lot of information on Hawaii and its islands. There were about twenty or so properties and tourism bodies presented on that night. One particular island which the presenters talked about was Oahu. This island interested me because of the nice beaches, atmosphere, and fun activities that was available all in that island. Really there are so many reasons why visit Kahuku, Oahu is well worth your holiday. There are a few really nice places to visit in Oahu. If I were to choose just one area to visit I would choose Turtle Bay Resort. Turtle Bay resort is only forty five minutes from Honolulu, and offers a world class amazing resort where each guest can choose from a range of activities and appreciate fantastic views of the ocean. Located in one of the nicest cove on the north shore is Hale Kai Villa. About the Hale Kai Villa at Turtle Bay, view is everything. Do you want to know something trivial about the Turtle Bay resort? This is the location where Lost, the tv series is filmed at. And everyone knows how amazing the scenes are based on that show! I guess I am such a fan, both of the tv show and the island!

JIMMY SOMMERS The Now


"The Now" that's the song title I’m listening to now… So soothing to listen to. Sometimes I have a thing for music that even when the lyrics are not as appealing if I like the beat to it, I just listen. Having said that though, this jazzy tune caught my attention cause of both the beat and lyrics…. First time to hear this one, and I am beginning to be a fan of him. I should search him up later! Have you heard him yet? It helps that he's quite hunky too! :) He sort of reminds me of Rufus Humphrey, from Gossip Girl! Don't you think so?

Getting my driver's license

I’ve been meaning to get my driver’s license for NSW for the past five years, but I’ve only started seriously thinking about it again the past few months. I’ve organized so many tours while my family was with me, and all the time I had to just rely on tour companies to do their job. And, yes it was a job well done. But after a while you feel you’d want to be able to take yourself around, drive on your own, at your own time to each place that you want to visit. Not be limited to taking the coach to a set itinerary. I still have my Philippine license but since I am a permanent resident here now I cannot use that to drive here. I’m thinking that it would be beneficial for me as well should I decide to look for Car Hire Spain or New Zealand. Really, I should be putting to practice my driving skills so that I’d be ready to just hop on a rented car, or eventually purchase my own car!

Saturday, May 17, 2008

Salute to nurses

I'm not quite sure if there is such a thing as world nurse's day, but I think one of the best nurses around anywhere is a Filipino/Filipina. I've seen them care for the elderly (even my own elders back home) as well as young kids in the E.R., and care for those who've just given birth. I've got a few real good friends and relatives who are nurses as well and they just do an absolute amazing job!! I cannot imagine the extent of their job, which offers not only emotional support to those who are ill, but really provide sincere assistance with meds, emergencies, etc! They have tons of real life stories that are interesting, happy, sad, trivial, weird and sometimes plain gross (well to normal professionals like me), just because we don't deal with this on a daily basis, we sometimes think different of mundane silly things but to nurses these are real life scenarios which they do take seriously all the time.

Really, Filipinos are just a nurturing and caring bunch in so much that Pinoy nurses are recruited worldwide, and they do a real good job at nursing others.

I've just been sent this link, and thought I'd pass this link on to whoever would be interested in working in NSW. It's a government site, but of course use your own discretion at all times. Click on: NSW Department of Health. I think they're taking employment applications for 2009, and the application period is from June 25 to August 11, 2008.

Spread the word and who knows the rest of the world would be gentle carers like us as well :)

That split second situation you can get into

Don’t you sometimes find yourself in an awkward moment even for that split second when you bump to someone in a corner, when two persons who didn’t see each other just cross paths unintentionally? Well, this has happened to me quite a few times at work. We’ve just moved offices and our current workspace has got four blind spots which could use a few convex mirrors. This would avoid embarrassment and address occupational health and safety concerns as well. Maybe I should advise our operations building manager of this on monday when I do ‘bump’ into her.



Thursday, May 15, 2008

An Award: Arte y Pico


Val, thanks for this award :)


Now there are some rules, I need to pick five other blogs to get this award..


For those of you receiving the Award, here are the rules:


1) You have to pick 5 blogs that you consider deserve this award for their creativity, design, interesting material, and also for contributing to the blogging community, no matter what language.

2) Each award has to have the name of the author and also a link to his or her blog to be visited by everyone.

3) Each award winner has to show the award and put the name and link to the blog that has given her or him the award itself.

4) Award-winner and the one who has given the prize have to show the link of "Arte y Pico" blog, so everyone will know the origin of this award.



Make sure you visit the link above.

I choose the following sites: (I would choose more if I could!Hehe!)


Wednesday, May 14, 2008

And then there was One

After a while you get used to being alone, but when you've just come out of a noisy bunch it is a bit hard to deal with silence.

I am home alone again. Back to peaceful living. My own mess to clean, own food to cook, own dishes to wash, own snack to take to work, etc.

It was nice having my family around for a (seemingly long) while but it's nice to be able to move again without having the restrictions of living with parents. (Technically this would have been my house, but of course parents always rule your life no matter what.)

A few days before they left I was already conditioning myself that they won't be with me in a little while. I've noticed that that was my way of detaching myself to people who I know won't stay. That things were temporary for that moment. After about 5 years of shuttling to and from Manila, leaving friends and loved ones behind I am a bit of an experienced little lady who knows how to cope. I guess no one really becomes a Pro at this because goodbyes are never easy. I am just glad that things are steady again. Nothing too exciting, but just calm days ahead. I know that in a few months I will see them again, so I guess that's why I know how to cope. C'est La Vie.

Thursday, May 08, 2008

Online beauty contest

I think within each and every one of us (whether you are a boy or girl does not matter) at some point in our lives thought about or pondered about the way we looked. Now, with the online revolution it is easy to join the Look of the year beauty contest which is in search of a young, beautiful model or models from all over the world wide web. I would probably pass on the details of this competition to my younger counterparts out there! Surely winning that 10000 USD would be something!
http://www.lookoftheyear.com

It's actually Mauritius here I come!

Contrary to my previous post title, I am not going to Italy right now. It will be Mauritius (hopefully) when I get my visa organised! A few days ago I was told by my colleague that I got the slot for the Mauritius famil (short for familiarisation tour- which travel agents go on, to see a place). Although the catch is that it will be for departure on June 10! For 6 nights of luxury on the paradise island of Mauritius (as celebrities would call it a heaven getaway or a romantic escape).
I will be lodging my visa (I am still holding my Philippine passport) tomorrow at the Mauritius High Commission in Canberra. Normally the processing can take up to four weeks so I may just be able to make it. I hope.

For those who may not be familiar, Mauritius is an island destination located in the Indian Ocean, usually considered part of Africa. From Sydney it can take up to about 12 hours flying time to reach the island. Dominant languages are English and French. I've read that they do have one of the most endangered shorelines in the world, and one of the best beaches in the world as well. Their cuisine is a mix of : French, Indian, Creole, Dutch and Arab. What that is like, well I have yet to find out and experience. Another thing I found out is that apparently the island sends out a Caribbean Vibe with the culture, food, people and beach environment. (Have a look at the nice nice photos of the island).

I've seen the itinerary and in the six nights that we'd be spending on the island, we'd be billeted into four different hotels/resorts ( Constance Belle Mare Plage, The Residence, Legends, Tamassa). Before I get too excited about this, I guess I have to get my visa! :) Wish me luck. Meanwhile I will savour doiing my research.

The big 4-0

Turning 40 soon has had me thinking about a few things lately. One, major one is whether to have another baby. Hmm. I guess this is partly n...